Business water efficiency

Business and industry, government and other large users of water are required to be water efficient in their activities.

Water restrictions apply to all businesses in South East Queensland (SEQ)—read a highlight of the current business restrictions below or view the business and industry fact sheet (PDF, 288K)*.

Business restriction highlights

• Water users of more than 10 million litres a year must comply with their Water Efficiency Management Plan.
• Water users of more than 1 million litres a year must have water efficient taps, trigger sprays, showerheads, urinals and cooling towers.
• Commercial pool and spa operators must keep a weekly log and install a rainwater tank, a sub-meter and a clear view screen in the backwash outlet line where required, together with a range of water efficient fittings.
• Fixed and mobile commercial washers (for vehicles, buildings and dogs) must only use water in accordance with guidelines.
• Operators of visitor accommodation must display water conservation information in bathrooms to help guests be waterwise. 
• Active playing surface operators must only use water in accordance with guidelines. They also need to register, keep a record of water use, use less than their allocation and only water at specified times.

Water Efficiency Management Plans

Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPS) help business, industry and other non-residential users to achieve long-term savings in their water use. Compliance measures apply for large users and the following must be adhered to:

• Businesses using more than 10 million litres a year must prepare, submit and comply with a Water Efficiency Management Plan (even if they have already achieved a water use reduction of 25 per cent as required in WEMPs).
• Business consuming more than 1 million litres must install water efficient appliances.
• Premises' urinals must be water efficient.

Guidelines are available to assist water users complete their plans.

Water-specific industries

Guidelines for specific industries have been prepared in partnership with industry representatives and technical experts. The aim is for:

• car washers to maximise their use of re-circulated water and meet best practice targets
• mobile commercial operators for building, vehicle and dog washing to only use town water in accordance with best practice guidelines
• nurseries, turf farms and market gardens to only use water in accordance with their WEMPs
• active playing fields and sporting groups to only water on allocated days at certain times.

Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme

Businesses can also cut water consumption by purchasing white goods with a high water efficiency rating.

More information and fact sheets

• Read the restriction document—Permanent Water Conservation Measures - residential and non-residential (PDF, 354K)*.

For questions about permanent water conservation measures, call 1300 789 906. 

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